Definition: Immersive Sound

A surround sound system with a height layer. The Immersive Sound designation was coined by Auro-3D creator Wilfried Van Baelen and adopted by the Society of Motion Picture and TV Engineers (SMPTE). Immersive "Sound" is concerned with height and the audible experience whereas Immersive "Audio" deals with the technology (see Immersive Audio).

Compared to the 2D horizontal plane of speakers at ear height, Immersive Sound adds speakers on the wall or in the ceiling to create a true 3D effect. In 2010, using existing workflows and delivery formats, Auro-3D introduced the first end-to-end Immersive Sound solution. See Auro-3D.

Virtualized Immersive Sound
Soundbars with "up-firing" speakers simulate Immersive Sound; however, the psychoacoustic effects that are used may produce audible artifacts. Nothing compares to moving the air in a 3D space all around the listener. See surround sound and soundbar.

Immersive Sound Formats

Auro-3D, DTS:X and Dolby Atmos are the three major "surround sound with height" technologies; witness the logos on this Denon A/V receiver.